For the first time, one of Galileo's telescopes has left Florence to be part of an exhibit in the United States. according to Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer for the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, the 400-year-old telescope, which bears an inscription in the astronomer's handwriting, is “absolutely amazing.”

Tragedy struck central Italy April 7 when a 6.3 magnitude earthquake toppled ancient and modern buildings in the medieval city of L’Aquila. Over 200 people lost their lives, and the earthquake damaged nearly all the historic buildings of the town. (video)

Plymouth State University in Plymouth, New Hampshire will present its annual Medieval and Renaissance Forum April 24-25, 2009. This year's keynote speaker is Dr. Carole Levin, author of Dreaming the English Renaissance: Politics and Desire in Court and Culture.